Barbara Simmons Carroll, (Brandon, MS), 90, passed away July 11, 2024 at her daughter's home in Brandon, Mississippi.

Barbara was born in Jasper County, Mississippi at her childhood home on June 28, 1934.  She graduated valedictorian from Louin High School in 1952 and business college in Laurel, Mississippi in 1953.  Afterward, Barbara began her career at Pike Air Conditioning Company in Jackson.  In the mid-60's she began a 40+ year tenure at the USPFO office of the Army National Guard as a supply technician.  Her ability to remember serial numbers of tanks and other heavy equipment was extraordinary.  Her work ethic was second to none.  She loved the challenge of her job and knowing she was keeping the Mississippi Army National Guard well equipped.  Barbara received numerous awards and recognition for her service.  She worked with a great team of people and shared a tremendous mutual respect.  She retired her position with distinction in 1999.

Her great passion was her piano.  She had piano lessons as a young girl, but began a renewed excitement with lessons in her 30's.  Her children were often lulled to sleep at night with the sound of her peaceful piano music into the late hours.  Her girls brought her home from rehab on her birthday, June 28, for a family meal and time playing her beloved petit baby grand piano.  She attended Skyway Hills Baptist Church and served as pianist for 15 years.  She joined McLaurin Heights Baptist Church in Pearl in 1990 and was an active member of the adult choir and handbell choir. Her friendships there were deep and important to her.  Barbara often appeared at the doors of shut-ins, family and friends with fresh baked bread and homemade pimento cheese.  A welcome sight for all!  She was a member of the Faith Sunday School class.  She was unable to attend for the last few years and missed her class members very much.

Her family has described "Mom" and "Aunt Barbara" as strong, courageous, devoted, inspirational, thoughtful, giving and talented.  She was determined to meet any challenge given her head-on.  After a recent fall that fractured her pelvis, she spent time in rehab and was fully planning to get back to her home and independence.  In spite of her efforts, she went into hospice care at her daughter's home with her girls in continuous care of her.  Barbara left this world and went to her Heavenly Father with both daughters at her side.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Foster Simmons and Ledora Chisholm Simmons, brothers John Calvin Simmons and Thomas Ray Simmons.  Survivors include daughters Vicki Bozeman (Brandon, Mississippi) and Lisa Hancock  (Brandon, Mississippi), sister Doris Simmons Fail (Jackson, Mississippi) and many dearly loved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held July 25, 2024 at McLaurin Heights Baptist Church in Pearl, Mississippi with visitation at 1:00 pm and service at 2:00 pm.  Wright & Ferguson of Flowood, Mississippi will be in charge of the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to McLaurin Heights Baptist Church, 404 Pemberton Drive, Pearl, Mississippi. 39208.